- Francis Tiafoe (USA/ATP 26) defeats favorite Rafael Nadal (ESP/ATP 3) in the round of 16 of the US Open in 4 sets. The score in favor of the local hero: 6:4, 4:6, 6:4, 6:3.
- In the fourth set, Tiafoe trailed with a break before resisting in superb fashion, leaving the home crowd in euphoria.
- In the quarter-finals, Tiafoe meets Andre Robleau, who easily defeated Cameron Norrie in 3 sets.
Tiafoe’s show at Flushing Meadows moves on to the next round: Thanks to a great game and a 4-set victory over co-star favorite Rafael Nadal, Francis Tiafoe has reached the quarter-finals of the US Open in New York. There, with Andrei Rublew (RUS / ATP 11), another player stronger on paper awaits.
The 24-year-old American in the fourth set proved that he already had the position of champion: After having to give up a break to Nadal to make it 1:3, Tiafoe immediately recognized the break and took “Rafa” at last the wind out of the sails with another service break to 5. : 3.
Tiafoe, master of the counter
On the way there, Tiafoe impressively saved Nadal’s stopping ball with the same shot – undoubtedly the most exciting scene of the last sentence. After 3 hours and 34 minutes, Tiafoe finally used his second match point, and Nadal’s backhand only found its way into the net. Final score: 6:4, 4:6, 6:4, 6:3.
The fact that Nadal is not at his best was also evident in his recent appearance at Arthur Ashe Court. However, the 22-time Grand Slam winner was able to celebrate temporary success by winning the second set.
After both players held their serve, Tiafoe was foul-prone at 4-5 of his serve. Nadal was not asked twice and used the #1 set with a powerful forehand. Nadal’s first serve rate was also impressive in the second round: the Spaniard converted 92 percent of it into points.
Number 1 is still looming
As Tiafoe soon prepares for his quarter-final match, Nadal has to go home. One thing should rejoice for him: on September 12, he could again be included in the first place in the world in the ATP rating.
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